korea?
South Korea is a country located in East Asia and divided into South Korea and North Korea. The Republic of Korea is located between the West Sea and the East Sea, and the capital is Seoul.
Korea is also famous for its modern industrialization and economic development. Along with traditional industries such as agriculture and fish farming, various industries such as IT, automobiles, and shipbuilding are developing. Also, Korea is famous for popular culture, and K-pop and K-drama are gaining popularity all over the world.
Korea is also famous for its traditional food and culture. Representative foods of Korea include kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap, while traditional Korean culture includes hanbok, taekwondo, tea, and palaces.
history museum
- There are several historical museums in Korea. Among them, we will introduce some representative ones.
1.National Museum of Korea
- It is the first national museum in Korea and is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
It introduces the history and culture of Korea from ancient times to modern times through various relics and exhibitions.
viewing time
- Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 18:00 (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun)
- Night opening hours: 10:00 ~ 21:00 (Wed/Sat)
Admission time: until 30 minutes before closing
Closed: January 1st, Lunar New Year's Day (the same day), Chuseok (the same day)
admission fee
free viewing
2.National Palace Museum of Korea:
Located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul, it exhibits palace architecture and artwork from the Joseon Dynasty.
Gyeongju National Museum: Located in Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, it houses relics and cultural assets from the Silla era.
viewing time
weekdays and weekends
10:00 ~ 18:00
(10:00-21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays)
※ Last admission is 1 hour before
closed days
- 1.1 (New Year's Day), 1.22 (New Year's Day), 9.29 (Chuseok)
3.Jeonju Hanok Village Museum of Korean Folklore and Natural History:
Located within Jeonju Hanok Village, it houses exhibits on traditional Korean houses and folk culture.
viewing time
10:00 - 18:00
1 hour extension on Saturdays and holidays
From 2017.7.1., changed to 10:00~18:00
Admission deadline: 30 minutes before closing
Night extended opening
10:00 - 21:00
the last Wednesday of each month,
Every Saturday from March to December
admission fee
free viewing
4.Haeinsa Historic Site:
The Haeinsa Museum is located within the Haeinsa Historic Site located in Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do. It deals with the excavated relics of the Shilla Dynasty and the history of Haeinsa Temple.
All of the above museums introduce the history and culture of Korea, and you can easily access various relics and historical contents when you visit.
Traditional Activities
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Royal palaces like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace are some of the many must-see tourist attractions in Seoul. As well as exploring the palace grounds, visitors can enjoy several experience programs that enable one to truly take in the culture of these royal places.
One of the major events held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace is the reenactment of the historical Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. For a more personal experience, visitors can try wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) for free at Deoksugung Palace.
Special events such as Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace, special exhibition at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, night admission, and more are also available on a seasonal basis. Please double check the information prior to your visit to avoid any unexpected inconveniences.
Permanent Experience Programs at Royal Palaces
- Gyeongbokgung Palace LINK
- Location: Sumunjangcheong (Gate Guard Headquarters) at Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Program: Gyeongbokgung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
- Operating hours: Twice a day at 10:00, 14:00
* Closed Tuesdays - Fee: Free
- Website: www.royalpalace.go.kr (Korean, English)
Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Open
Tickets must be reserved through the online site '11th Street Ticket'. Tickets for April 5-30 can be purchased from 10:00 am on the 29th, and tickets for May 3-31 can be purchased from 10:00 am on April 26. The number of tickets sold per day is 2,500, and both online reservations and on-site purchases are limited to a maximum of two per person. On-site purchases are only available to foreigners.
It is not open at night on holidays and every Monday and Tuesday. Even from April 26th to May 2nd, during the preparation and event period for the Royal Culture Festival, there is no night viewing.
- Deoksugung Palace LINK
- Location: Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace
- Program: Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and free hanbok experience
- Operating hours
Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony: Three times a day at 11:00, 14:00, 15:30
Free hanbok experience: 10:30-11:30, 13:30-14:30, 15:00-16:00Ceremony and hanbok experience not available on MondaysSubject to cancellation or closure during adverse weather (i.e. rain, snow, extremely cold or hot weather condition) - Fee: Free
- Website: www.deoksugung.go.kr (Korean, English)
* Visitors wearing experience program hanbok are not allowed to enter the palace; free hanbok experience program participants must stay within the courtyard by Daehanmun Gate.
things to do in korea
Seongsu-dong Dior
The Dior House was held in Seoul on April 30th.
Dior Fall 2022 Women's Fashion Show by Maria Grazia Chiuri
In a sense of commemoration, it draws attention with its cutting-edge and innovative atmosphere.
We opened a new concept store in the heart of Seongsu-dong.
In this unique space that is operated for a limited time,
With a splendid structure reminiscent of the legendary façade of 30 Avenue Montaigne
Various landscapes are shown by season and collection.
Inside the splendid store completed with an open structure, Korea's nature and
Arranging a charming garden inspired by the gardens of France
Monsieur Dior's affection was expressed intact.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a well-preserved traditional hanok village located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, and is famous as a place where you can experience traditional Korean architecture and culture.
In Bukchon Hanok Village, traditional hanoks built in the Joseon Dynasty have been transformed into modern shops, cafes, and art galleries, and various cultural activities are taking place.
Within the village, there are various facilities such as the Bukchon Hanok Village Information Center, Hanok Experience Center, Hanok Museum, and Hanok Living Museum, where you can deeply understand and experience Korean traditional culture. In addition, it is one of the popular attractions for tourists as it offers various programs such as hanbok experience, traditional food experience, and tea experience.
Bukchon Hanok Village can be reached on foot from Anguk Station on Subway Line 3 and Jongno 3-ga Station on Subway Line 5, and many tourist attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine are located nearby, making it a useful tourist course.
gwangjang market
Gwangjang Market is one of the traditional markets ahead of Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea. Gwangjang Market is a market that was placed during the Japanese occupation, and the evidence of the medieval era still sells traditional Korean food and goods.
Gwangjang Market has traditional Korean restaurants, food ingredient stores, traditional Korean sweets and rice cakes, and shops selling various kinds of clothes and accessories. Also, above traditional Korean stationery stores and printing houses, you can also buy traditional Korean paper scraps.
In particular, Gwangjang Market is famous for a shop that sells 'goulash', one of the endangered foods in Korea, and it can be a food to enjoy goulash.
Gwangjang Market can be reached on foot from Euljiro 1-ga Station on Subway Line 2 and Jongno 3-ga Station on Line 5, and the inside of the market is narrow and complex, so it is recommended to check the time and visit plan to display enjoyable shopping and dining.
Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain
Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is one of the representative tourist attractions located within Banpo Hangang Park, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea. This fountain creates a special landscape with rainbow-colored jets of water every moonlit night above the Han River.
The Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain opened in 2009, and presents rainbow-colored water jets along with stage performances hosted by the city of Seoul. One of the things to enjoy is walking along the Han River while watching the fountain and stage performances.
In particular, it is good to cool off from the summer heat, and at night, the lights of the fountain and stage performances are combined to present a very beautiful scenery. In addition, along with Namsan Tower, one of Seoul's representative night view attractions, it is positioned as a place where you can enjoy the beautiful night view of Seoul.
Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is about a 15-minute walk from Sinbanpo Station on Subway Line 9, and there is also a parking lot. We recommend taking a walk along the Han River with the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain and enjoying the night view of Seoul.
POPULAR FOOD
Bibimbap
Bibimbap, a traditional Korean food, is a bowl of rice mixed with meat and assorted vegetables. It has gained recognition worldwide as a healthy dining option, increasing the number of bibimbap restaurants in different parts of the world. From traditional bibimbap to regional specialties and fusion styles, there are many ways to enjoy this dish. Read on to learn more about how bibimbap came to capture the hearts of so many.
Gimbap
Gimbap is made using rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar and salt. The rice is then placed on a sheet of laver. Strips of eggs, eomuk, carrot, seasoned spinach and pickled radish are then lined up in the middle to be rolled together into a cylinder shape. The roll is then cut into bite-sized pieces. The taste can be quite versatile, depending on the ingredients. Gimbap is a perfect meal option for when you’re on the go!
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is one of the most common food items sold by street vendors. Cylinder-shaped rice cakes with eomuk and vegetables are cooked in a spicy yet sweet red pepper sauce. Various fusion tteokbokki can also be found, including tteokbokki made using jjajang (black bean sauce) or with garlic toppings.
Hotteok
Hotteok are chewy pancakes, usually stuffed with various combinations of sugar and walnuts or pine nuts. A popular street food mostly found in winter, some hotteok are stuffed with vegetables or cheese instead. The dough can come in a unique green color by adding green tea or corn powder..
Hoppang
Hoppang is one of the most popular warm snacks in winter. It is a pre-cooked ball of rice flour with various fillings, such as red bean paste, vegetables or pizza ingredients. Hoppang is usually steamed to keep it warm and is sold on the streets and at convenient stores.
Makgeolli (Takju)
Among all of Korea’s traditional alcohols, makgeolli has the longest history. It is made by mixing steamed glutinous rice or wheat with nuruk, a traditional fermentation starter, and water, then leaving the mixture to ferment. It has a milky, opaque color and a low alcohol content of 6-13%. It is relatively low in calories and high in proteins. It also contains high levels of yeast and lactobacillus.
Idong Makgeolli, produced in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, has a sweet and tangy taste similar to carbonated water. Recently, different flavors of makgeolli have become quite popular, including yuja (citron), ginseng and omija (five-flavor berry) makgeolli.
